Sean's Bar and the Everlasting Debate

Cead a mile failte a Sean's Bar!

When you walk into Sean's Bar in Athlone, the oldest pub in Europe, you join the uncountable number of visitors who have been stopping here for a drink, a chat and maybe a bit of music for more than a thousand years and we have the distinctions to support it.

No wonder, Sean's Bar is located in the very heart of Ireland, on the banks of the beautiful River Shannon at its intersection with the Esker Riada - the ancient route carved by glaciers that allowed travellers safe passage across the bog for thousands of years. You can find us just next to Athlone Castle, a 12th century Norman Castle whose residents may have frequented the pub!

Just as popular today as it ever was, Sean's Bar is a must-see destination for people from every country in the world. Whether by boat, car, bus or train, people from every nation have come to "have one" in Sean's Bar.

Walking into the pub, you'll know right away you've arrived someplace unique. From the sawdust on the floor to the old-style open turf fireplace and the musicians playing in the corner, some things about Sean's Bar have changed very little over the centuries.

Browse through Sean's Bar humour and lore on our walls and in our display cases. Primary among these is a glass case containing a section of the 900A.D. wattle and daub walls and, next to that of course, is our Guinness Book of World Records certificate. The section of wall in the case was taken from the original walls beneath the current pub. The original main street cobbles of Athlone are also to be found in the pub's beer garden, facing the Shannon River.

Old fishing reels, a secret spailpain bed, cannon balls, swords, mounted fish and innumerable oddities populate the nooks and crannies of Sean's Bar. No matter how many times you've visited, you're bound to find something you haven't noticed before among our collection of this and that.

Step through the pub and out the back you'll find our huge modern beer garden with its retractable ceiling and view across the Shannon river - the perfect place for a pint on a warm summer's day . . . or a chill winter's evening (thanks to our heat lamps)!

You can't have the craíc without the ceoil! Sean's Bar features live music seven nights a week, including our popular Saturday and Sunday afternoon sessions.

For a small taste of Sean's Bar culture, visit our Gallery section or simply drop by next time you pass through Athlone.